PHELPS, WABENO - Two small Northwoods communities will be able to use state-level resources to help revitalize their downtowns.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation accepted both Phelps and Wabeno into its Connect Communities Program last week.

Phelps and Wabeno will be able to connect with similar communities around the state to share ideas.

State-level staff will also visit to offer training for revitalization and redevelopment.

"Phelps and Wabeno, I've been working with those communities for almost two years now in both cases. They have some potential with regards to the dedicated group of individuals that are there working with them," said Naletta Burr, a WEDC Community Account Manager.

We've told you about the Friends of Wabeno group.

The volunteers are committed to making Wabeno a more vibrant community.

"Phelps is not that different from that standpoint, either. They've got a very strong base of elected officials that are working with them," Burr said. "They're working on downtown. They've got some tremendous opportunities with regards to some redevelopment opportunities. Both of them are great candidates. I'm excited that they're both in the program this year."

The Village of Marathon City will also participate in this year's program.

- It's a clash. More schools want to provide technology for students, like laptops. But some students can't use them at home for lack of internet access. Find out how one local school district handles this problem, tonight on Newswatch 12.

- Plus, the state championship for high school gymnastics takes place this weekend in Madison. One Rhinelander athlete had her best performance of her career in sectionals and will head to state.

We'll have the details on these stories and more tonight on Newswatch 12 - news from where you live.

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